Read & explore together
A Way in the Wilderness
Isaiah 43:14–21 records Yahweh’s words to his people. He names himself, speaks about Babylon, recalls his power over the waters, and then announces a new work pictured as a way through dry places.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
Within this passage, Yahweh addresses Israel directly. He is called Redeemer, Holy One, Creator, and King. He speaks of Babylon and the Chaldeans, refers to making a way in the sea and ending an army, then tells his people not to dwell on former things because he is doing something new.
Isaiah 43:14–21Main takeaway
Yahweh says that the people he formed should recognise his new saving work and respond with praise.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Redeemer, Holy One, KingThe message begins with Yahweh’s own titles. He is “your Redeemer” and “the Holy One of Israel”, then “your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King”.
Explanation
The message begins with Yahweh’s own titles. He is “your Redeemer” and “the Holy One of Israel”, then “your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King”. These names show both relationship and authority. He also says he has acted against Babylon and the Chaldeans.
02The one who made a way in the seaYahweh is described as the one who “makes a way in the sea” and “a path in the mighty waters”.
Explanation
Yahweh is described as the one who “makes a way in the sea” and “a path in the mighty waters”. He also brings out chariot, horse, army, and mighty man, and they are extinguished “like a wick”. The passage presents his power to open a path and end human strength.
03Do not fix your eyes on former thingsAfter mentioning earlier acts, Yahweh says, “Don’t remember the former things” and “don’t consider the things of old.”
Explanation
After mentioning earlier acts, Yahweh says, “Don’t remember the former things” and “don’t consider the things of old.” The reason follows at once: “I will do a new thing.” It is already “springing out”, so the people are urged to notice what he is now doing.
04Water in the wilderness for praiseThe new thing is pictured as “a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert”. Even wild animals honour Yahweh because he gives water there.
Explanation
The new thing is pictured as “a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert”. Even wild animals honour Yahweh because he gives water there. This gift is for “my people, my chosen”, and the passage ends with their purpose: “that they might declare my praise.”
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Which names for Yahweh are given at the start, and why do they matter in this passage?
List the titles in verses 14–15 and connect them to his authority and care in the same verses.
02What contrast does the passage make between former things and the new thing?
Compare the command not to consider old things with the announcement that something new is already springing out.
03What is the purpose of the water in the wilderness?
Notice who receives the drink in verse 20 and what they are formed to do in verse 21.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Isaiah 43:14–21
14Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: “For your sake, I have sent to Babylon, and I will bring all of them down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their rejoicing.
15I am Yahweh, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.”
16Yahweh, who makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters,
17who brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty man (they lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinct, they are quenched like a wick) says:
18“Don’t remember the former things, and don’t consider the things of old.
19Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs out now. Don’t you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The animals of the field, the jackals and the ostriches, shall honor me, because I give water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21the people which I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise.